Managing pop-up stalls in the future

We're working with local stakeholders to shape how pop-up stall trading could be managed in the future.

Pop-up stall trading on Queenstown waterfront has grown significantly in recent years - particularly after COVID-19. While this has created opportunities for local entrepreneurs and creates vibrancy, it has also raised several concerns.

In 2023, QLDC adopted the Activities in Public Places Bylaw which regulates pop-up stall trading, along with other activities in public places. Since then, feedback has been raised by traders and the community relating to:

• Practicality of the Bylaw for pop-up stall traders
• Congestion and obstructed access on the lakefront
• Visual amenity and litter
• Food safety
• Non-compliance with the Bylaw

We need to find an approach that works for everyone who uses and values these spaces.

Where are we at

Following a Council directive in March 2026, we are now starting early conversations with pop-up stall traders, local business groups and other affected stakeholders. These conversations will help us further develop options for managing this activity.

Following these early conversations, options will be presented to the full Council at a workshop on 28 July 2026. No formal decisions will be made at this workshop, although Councillors may indicate their preference for one or more of the options. The nature and timing of what happens after the July workshop will depend on the option and process preferred by Council.

What we’re exploring

We’re considering a range of tools that could be used to manage pop-up stall trading. These are not final options - they’re a starting point for discussion.

>> Download the 'early options for discussion' info sheet for more information.

What’s important to consider?

Each option comes with trade-offs. We need to balance:

• Ease and cost for traders
• Complexity and cost for Council
• Flexibility to respond to change
• Whether it can be enforced

We are working with stakeholders to get this right

This month we're meeting with local traders, the business and hospitality community and other affected stakeholders.

We've provided an online survey below for those invited stakeholders who can't attend one of the in person discussions. Online feedback must be received by 14 June 2026.

There's also an online Q&A tool. Anyone can use this to ask a question about the process underway.

** Wider community engagement is expected later in the process, once Councilors have provided further guidance on a preferred approach.**